Notes

Polonius wants to be a part of the royal family. He is in a high position but it is not enough. So he makes up a reason for Hamlet acting crazy. He says Hamlet went mad because Ophelia rejected him. Theme of prostitution, he wants to sell or trade his daughter for a higher rank in life. Two of Hamlets old friends, who don't seem to be as close to him anymore, are convinced by the king to spy on Hamlet. That would be the motif of spying. Hamlet talks about the sun breeding maggots. He is the sun, and while he may bring good to the garden of Denmark, certain things he should just stay away from. Polonius asks roundabout questions to spy. Again the motif of spying. He plans to have Ophelia talk to Hamlet and hide to listen to what they talk about. Motif of spying. Hamlet says if Polonius is being honest then he is one of very few men. Theme of corruption. Hamlet also talks about his bad dreams. He has been dreaming about the ghost. He might not be so sure that the ghost was really his father.